Book Review: Hounds & Valleys

The Hound of Baskervilles & The Valley of Fear, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

Confession time. I have never read a Sherlock Holmes novel -well until this book I hadn't. That probably sounds shocking to some seen as I read so much but it wasn't until now that I had come across any that I truly wanted to read. This book edition includes The Hound of Baskervilles and The Valley of Fear. I immensely enjoyed The Hound of Baskervilles and the first part of The Valley of Fear but the second part I found quite difficult to get into and so, I weren't that fussed about it. Both novels involve both Holmes and Watson trying to solve perplexing crimes that they've been told of. 

The novel, The Hound of Baskervilles, revolves around the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, the legendary curse of the hound that haunts the Baskervilles and Holmes trying to prevent the new master, Sir Henry Baskerville, coming to the same fate as his predecessor. As Holmes and Watson unravel the mystery, events, and characters within this tale, so to do the readers. This made for a quick read for me, mostly because of how exciting and gripping the tale was. 

The first part of The Valley of Fear was also a fast read for the same reason. The story drew me in and I felt enveloped within the story, wanting to know more and more until I reached the final verdict. As I mentioned, I wasn't all that fussed with the second part. In comparison to the first, I found it a little slow to start and I didn't feel as drawn in as I previously had. Though I would still recommend the first part and The Hound of Baskervilles to any who enjoy intriguing puzzles or 'murder mystery' type things. I can already see The Hound of Baskervilles becoming one of those books I return to continuously. 

Have you ever read these books? What did you think? Comment Below

Cheerio for now! 

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Podcast's I'm loving

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of podcasts. In fact, I couldn't even name any new songs because I have traded my radio/Spotify listening for podcasts. There are so many different podcasts out there to choose from but these are some of my favourites...

• Elise gets crafty: This is probably my favourite podcast of all time. I have to admit I am playing catch up as I only discovered her podcast at the beginning of summer but nonetheless I am absolutely loving it. As it says in the title, Elise hosts a weekly podcast featuring other creatives. The podcast usually discusses creative small business' but sometimes derails to other creative topics too. I personally find this podcast so inspiring; every time I've listened to an episode I feel so driven and motivated. 

• LadyGang: In all honesty, this is one that I haven't got into until just recently but what I've heard so far -I love. The podcast involves the trio of Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek and Becca Tobin who are joined with a different celebrity each week to chat about life in Hollywood. In translation, if you are looking for a hilarious, down to earth podcast where no topic is out of bounds then this is the one for you. The laughter and true celeb stories within this podcast are so infectiously funny that you can't help but have a little giggle with it too. As I am a huge Center Stage fan I, of course, loved the episode with Amanda Schull; but another favourite of mine has been the Ashley Tisdale one too. You can have a look at some of their episodes and guests here. 

• Ladies Who Lunch: This podcast, involving YouTubers Ingrid Nelson and Kate Valdes, is probably the rawest podcast I have listened to. Discussing topics' more off the beaten track, like sexuality, stereotypes, the structure of marriage, jealousy and envy as well as introversion, it's hard not to love these honest episodes about topics we so rarely talk about. Having said this, the energy that both Nelson and Valdes radiate around these topics are light, bubbly and friendly which makes these heavy topics easier to listen to whilst doing anything. 

• Just a Spoonful: Hosted by Kaitlyn Plyley, this podcast is more of a monthly thing or whenever possible as it revolves around those living with chronic illness and disability. Both Kaitlyn and featured guests talk about how they live, what they live for whilst also having a giggle and swear here and there. As someone who suffers from multiple chronic illnesses', this really is a breath of fresh air for me to find something easy to listen to but also relatable on a personally level. 

What Podcasts have you been loving lately? Share below

Cheerio for now! 

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The Power of Tamanu

Tamanu has quickly become my skin saviour for pretty much everything, Dry skin, eczema, scars, stretch marks, bruises, stings, insect bites -everything! I use both these products; the balm on my body and I keep the rescue in my bag for emergencies. Both are 100% naturally derived so you don't have to worry about all those nitty-gritty ingredients you don't want your skin absorbing.

Tamanu Healing Balm
The super-healing powers and sheer strength of this product are the stuff miracles are made out of and its' nourishing formulation of Shea, Cocoa and Monoi Butter gives the most soothing, smooth and luxurious feel to your skin.

To use, just apply as much or as little as you see fit to damaged or dry areas.

Tamanu Rescue
This product is pretty much the same as the Healing Balm; though the consistency is slightly different. The consistency is quite silky and a lot smoother than the balm: my guess is so that it can be easily squeezed out of the pocket-sized tube.

You can use this the same as the balm, but where this is smoother in consistency I like to dab some onto my chapped lips. You only need to use a little dot when you use it -a little goes a long way!

To read more about the brand Tropic, simply click here. 

If you'd like to take a browse at other Tropic products I have posted about, click here. 

Have you ever used Tamanu? What did you think?

Cheerio for now! 

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5 benefits of wearing a cape

For me, capes are the epitome of fall/winter. There truly is nothing cozier than a cape. They may be a few fashion seasons ago but I am still loving them. Other than their cozy vibes, keeping you warm and looking downright adorable there are so many other benefits to the cape. Here are a few...

• They go with everything: Whether its' skinny jeans, dresses or just donning your pj's underneath for a late night supermarket haul -capes go with pretty much anything. Dress them up with a belt and fedora for a day exploring the city or throw it on over jeans and a tee for an evening around the bonfire, they work for everything. 

• Feel stylish: I don't know what it is but when I have a cape casually draped over my shoulders I just feel more stylish and chic, like Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada. 

• Hides the food baby: Any piece of clothing that succeeds in making you feel chic and 'put-together' whilst simultaneously hiding that food baby is a worthwhile investment -and an essential in every girl's closet. 

• It's like wearing a blanket in public: As a frequent 'public-pyjama-wearer', I'm all for wearing blankets out in public. The person who invented the cape made this possible, and the person who set this trend again -made it socially acceptable to rock a blanket out in the high street. 

• Your basically a superhero: It's true when wearing a cape I instantly feel like a superhero ready to save the day (-then I look down and realize I'm a chronically-ill person, out in my pajamas). It also brings back nostalgic memories of dressing like a witch at Halloween or watching Disney princes swoop in to save the princess. An item of clothing can conjure all those thoughts and feels, pretty powerful huh? 

What do you love about the cape? 

Cheerio for now!

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5 Reasons Gilmore Girls is the best show ever

With news that Netflix is releasing four 90-min long episodes of Gilmore Girls this month, I felt it was only necessary to re-watch my boxset of the show. Around the fourth series I realized this, in my opinion, is the best show ever! There are five particular reasons I think this and so I wanted to share them here with you guys.

1. Quirky Characters: Besides the Gilmore Girls themselves, the show is full of the quirkiest characters ever created. The town of Stars Hollow truly is like a medical experiment gone wrong with all the vivid and eccentric characters. From Miss Patty and Babette, Sookie and Jackson, Michel-Gerald and Drella the Harpist, the love/hate relationship between Luke and Taylor Doose, Paris and Doyle, and let us not forget the many adventures of Kirk. I think that is one of the great things about the show -It's not just about the Gilmore Girls, Rory schooling, Lorelai's love life and their never-ending battles with the grandparents but there is always something going on with the people of Stars Hollow. Whether it's a town meeting, kirk doing something bizarre or one of the crazy festivals or carnivals they have going on.
2. Realness to the drama: From Lorelai's single mom worries and dating problems to Rory's school drama and college application, the show has a certain realness to its story lines which makes the shows storylines relatable. As fun as it can be to watch Kirk's bizarre antics in Stars Hollow (-usually something that would never happen in real life) it's also great to watch a storyline play out with a bit of real life drama to it. 
3. The Sense of Community: Just like the quirky characters, the shows sense of community really gives the series' a warm, whole-hearted feel to it. Town meetings are always entertaining to watch (especially when you don't have entertainment like that in your real life). The festival and carnivals held in the town square and attended by all. The fact that everyone pitched in to set up Rory's graduation/going away party in the middle of the night -I mean if that isn't a loving community then I don't know what is! 
4. Gilmorisms: references, sarcasm up to wazoo! I'm going, to be honest, they're some references in the show which go straight over my head and then there're others I get just like that. It can also be a little difficult to catch them at times, not just because there's so many but also because they talk so fast! 
5. Mother-Daughter relationships: I think the polar contrast relationships between Lorelai and Rory, and then Lorelai and Emily are really interesting factors within the series. There's the unbreakable, best-friend bond between Lorelai and Rory and then the love-hate, bitter relationship between Emily and Lorelai. Sure both bonds had their ups and downs but I think this is one of the main reasons why Gilmore Girls is the best series ever. 

Make sure to catch the new episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix, November 25. 

What do you think of the Gilmore Girls? 

Cheerio for now! 
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My New Dream Cream: Tropics Night Repair

Night Repair 

cell renewal cream concentrate 

On a recent trip to my grandparents, I noticed my nan had the Tropics night repair cream: one of the few skincare products by the brand that I was yet to try. As the trip was pretty impromptu I had forgotten quite a few of my toiletries so it was the perfect time to try it out. I used the repair cream in place of my skin revive cream which I use after my toner. 

The cream itself is of velvety consistency making it easy to apply but also incredibly silky and gently on the skin. When creams are too thick I find myself trying to spread and smear it across my face in all different directions, which can often stretch and take its toll on the skin. With this product there is none of that, it simply glides on without a fuss. 

Having been so impressed by the hydrating nature of the cream, I decided to kick it up a notch and mix with a little of the organic elixir. This is something suggested on the packaging and after using it I can see why. The combination is so luxurious and nourishing, it is honestly the dreamiest of combos. With the repair cream full of hydrating ingredients, such as Aloe Vera Juice, Murumuru Butter, and Shea Butter, as well as the blissfully calming mixture of Lavender, Ylang-Ylang and Blue Chamomile essential oils make this product the ultimate repair cream for your night time routine. 

If you would like to know more about the brand Tropic, simply click here. 

If you would like to take a browse at other Tropic products previously featured on here, please click here. 

Have you ever tried the Night Repair cream? What did you think? 
Cheerio for now! 
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